OSU needs a major growth spurt

James Rodgers is the likely key to OSU's bowl hopes this season.

File photo.

After a season of promise that unraveled due to injuries, Oregon State will be significantly challenged to reach a bowl game this season, although that level of accomplishment might suggest big things for next season.

Coach Mike Riley, according to Corvallis Gazette-Time reporter Cliff Kirkpatrick, plans to play at least seven true freshmen this season, which never says good things about a team's returning strength.

But OSU has regularly found ways to play above expectations and a bowl bid this year would be above expectations. The team needs, as does any team, a healthy dose of ... health, particularly to receiver James Rodgers and quarterback Ryan Katz.

Rodgers will graduate after the season, but Katz is only a junior, so they can build off him in his second year as a starter.

The Beavers open their season Satuday at Reser Stadium against Sacramento State of the Big Sky Conference.

Oregon State plays at Big 10 title contender Wisconsin, Sept. 10.